CREATIVE TEAM

DENNIS KELLY

(Musical Book Writer)'s work for theatre includes Debris, Osama the Hero, After the End, Love and Money, Taking Care of Baby, DNA, Orphans, The Gods Weep, and The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas. He has written the book for the new musical of Pinocchio which opened at the National Theatre at the end of 2017, and in 2018 his new play Girls and Boys opened at the Royal Court. His plays have been performed worldwide and to date have been translated into nearly forty languages. For television he co-wrote and co-created Pulling and wrote and created Utopia. For film, he wrote the screenplay for Black Sea, directed by Kevin MacDonald. He also wrote the book for the Olivier and Tony winning Matilda the Musical. In 2010, DNA became a set text on the GCSE English Literature syllabus.

TIM MINCHIN

(Composer & Lyricist) is a musician, actor, comedian, writer and director. He's toured extensively in the US, UK and Australia, performing solo, with bands, and with symphony orchestras. He's released five DVDs, the most recent recorded with the Heritage Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. Screen acting credits include Robin Hood Origins (2018), Secret River (2015), and Californication (Season 6 - 2013). Stage acting credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Sydney Theatre Company) and Jesus Christ Superstar (UK/Australia tours). Tim has written extensively for theatre, and is the composer-lyricist of Matilda the Musical (with Dennis Kelly) and Groundhog Day the Musical (with Danny Rubin).

TOM QUAINTANCE †

(Director) is the sixth Artistic Director and the first Producing Artistic Director in Virginia Stage Company’s 40 year history. At the Wells, Tom has directed Pride and Prejudice and The Santaland Diaries, and can't wait to tackle Matilda. Previously as Artistic Director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT), Tom produced over 35 plays and directed the World Premiere of Downrange: Voices from the Homefront, a play based on interviews with military spouses from Fort Bragg. Tom is an Associate Artist at PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill where he directed An Enemy of the People, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and The Little Prince. He also directed The Little Prince at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As the founder of FreightTrain Shakespeare in Los Angeles, he earned a Drama-Logue Award for his direction of Pericles. Other Los Angeles credits range from King Lear to The Devil With Boobs. A member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Tom is a graduate of Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) with a B.A. in Theatre and Economics, and the University of California, San Diego MFA directing program, where he was the assistant director on the original production of The Who’s Tommy. Tom and his wife Wallis are the proud parents of Mireille Julia and Annika Christine.

MCKAY COBLE

(Scenic Designer) PLAYMAKERS: Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Leaving Eden, Dot, My Fair Lady, Peter and the Starcatcher, An Enemy of the People, The Tempest/Metamorphoses, It’s a Wonderful Life, Red, Noises Off, The Parchman Hour, Big River, Nicholas Nickleby, Amadeus, The Little Prince, The Illusion, Cyrano De Bergerac, Not About Heroes, Playboy Of The Western World, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, A Child’s Christmas In Wales and many others. BROADWAY: Production Coordinator, Barbara Matera, Ltd.; La Cage Aux Folles; Big River; Sunday in the Park with George; Singin’ in the Rain; Merlin; Private Lives. REGIONAL: Cyrano (Guthrie Theatre); The Road to Mecca (Clarence Brown Theatre Company); Death of Papa (Hartford Stage); Love! Valour! Compassion!, A Streetcar Named Desire (Alley Theatre); The War of the Roses, Othello, Twelfth Night (Utah Shakespeare Festival). FILM: The Cotton Club, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Ghostbusters, Silkwood, Maxie, Places of the Heart. She is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829; NYC.

JENI SCHAEFER

(Costume Designer) is Virginia Stage Company’s Resident Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager, as well as the Costume Instructor at the GSA’s Theatre Department. She is celebrating her 16th season with Virginia Stage. Regional credits include: A Christmas Story at The Arkansas Rep, The Hound of the Baskervilles at The Hangar Theatre, Always Patsy Cline at PCPA Theatrefest, Tom Jones, In the Book of, and Under Six at Florida Studio Theatre. VSC productions to name a few: Peter and the Starcatcher, All my Sons, Grounded, The Tempest, The Great Gatsby, The Comfort Team, The Fantasticks, Death of a Salesman, Red, Radio Golf, A Raisin in the Sun, Around the World in 80 days, Wit, Crowns, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Hank Williams List Highway, The Elephant Man, Of Mice and Men, A Christmas Carol, and To Kill a Mocking Bird. Jeni Schaefer holds a Master of Arts in Communication/Theatre in Costume Design from Wichita State University.  

MaRANDA DEBUSK

(Lighting & Projections Designer) is a freelance lighting and projection designer. She is excited to share her first show with Virginia Stage, a story that has been near and dear to her heart for many years. Select regional credits include: Lighting Design: Ragtime and The Seagull (Serenbe Playhouse), The Passion of Teresa Rae (Triad Stage;), and Around the World in 80 Days (Clarence Brown Theatre); Assoc. Lighting Design: Titanic (Serenbe Playhouse), Death of a Salesman (Trinity Repertory Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Denver Center for the Performing Arts), Peter and the Starcatcher (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis); Projection Design: Mockingbird and Tomás and the Library Lady (Nashville Children’s Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Flat Rock Playhouse), and Violet (Clarence Brown Theatre). In June 2019, Maranda’s work will be featured in the USA Emerging Artist Exhibit at the Prague Quadrennial.  

STEVEN ALLEGRETTO

(Sound Designer) graduated from Full Sail University, finishing with an Associate Degree in Recording Arts in 2008. Steven has spent the last decade perfecting his craft in numerous recording studios and live music venues throughout the east coast including the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts (Virginia Beach, VA), Music Theory Studios (Norfolk, VA), and 11th Street Studios (Atlanta, GA). Steven has had the great pleasure of designing several shows for Virginia Stage Company, including Ring of Fire (2017), The Governor's School for the Arts’ production of Crazy for You (2017), and this year’s production of Always...Patsy Cline. Steven welcomes you back for yet another amazing show, with hopes that you thoroughly enjoy the sonic landscapes of Matilda.

Allan Decipulo ‡

(Musical Director/Conductor) is excited to be making his debut as Musical Director for Virginia Stage’s production of Matilda. Virginia Musical Theatre: Christmas Carol, Kiss Me, Kate, Freaky Friday, Mamma Mia!, Hello, Dolly!, La Cage, Seussical. Allan serves as Musical Director for a Broadway workshop based in NYC called Take It From The Top, and for the inaugural year of Coastal Broadway Collaborative’s intensive here in Norfolk, VA. Allan is also the Vocal Coach/Musical Director in the Musical Theatre department at The Governor’s School for the Arts. Many thanks to this incredible cast and creative team and to my lovely wife and babies for all their support!

Billy Bustamante

(Associate Director/Choreographer) is a NYC based performer, Director and Photographer. Broadway credits: Miss Saigon (Engineer u/s), The King And I (Lun Tha u/s).  NYC/ Regional credits:  Here Lies Love at the Public Theatre, Soft Power at the Ahmanson, Arena Stage, Old Globe, Paper Mill Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Walnut Street Theatre, San Jose Rep, North Shore M.T., Pan Asian Rep, Prospect Theatre Company and The Arden Theatre Company.  Billy recently directed the Off-Broadway revivals of The Adding Machine and LaChiusa’s The Wild Party.  Other directing/choreography credits include Goodspeed, Lincoln Center, NAAP, TUTS, Merry Go Round and CFRT. He is co-founder of Broadway Barkada and on teaching faculty at Jen Waldman Studio.  Billy is passionately committed to the development of new works and new artists.  www.BillyBustamante.com INSTA: @bjcb

Jeffrey Haddock

(Assistant Director) is a recent graduate from Old Dominion University with a B.A. in Theatre Performance. His past credits at ODU include The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon), Hair (Claude), and Twelfth Night (Malvolio). He is excited that his first opportunity to work with Virginia Stage is something as amazing as Matilda.

Blair Heinz

(Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be a part of her first production at Virginia Stage Company. Blair graduated from Old Dominion University this May with her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Her past credits include: Twelfth Night (Olivia), The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn), and How I Learned to Drive (Female Greek Chorus). Blair hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has enjoyed being a part of it!

BINDER CASTING

(NY Casting) Binder Casting, now part of RWS Entertainment Group, was founded by Jay Binder, CSA in 1984. Binder Casting has cast over 80 Broadway productions, dozens of National Tours, off-Broadway shows, full seasons for over 25 regional theatres, as well as feature films, episodic television and commercials. Binder has cast for Encores! at New York City Center since its inception in 1994. The office was also featured in the documentary, Every Little Step. Binder Casting is a twelve–time recipient of the Artios Award. www.bindercasting.com

ADRIENNE WELLS

(Stage Manager) is pleased to be continuing with Virginia Stage Company after stage managing Native Gardens.  Ms. Wells has worked in live theater, educational tours and events, opera, jazz, fashion, television, live events, and festivals. Past work includes: Sweat among several others (Pittsburgh Public Theater), Hair (Pentangle Arts), The Long Walk (Pittsburgh Opera), Misery (Penobscot Theater), Wait Until Dark  among others (St. Michael's Playhouse), Fences and Choir Boy (JAG Productions),  The Mask of Moriarty among others (Pittsburgh Irish and Classic Theater). Ms. Wells serves as the Corresponding Secretary for the Stage Managers’ Association, is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, and a proud member of Actors Equity Association.  

DAVID B. BYRD

(Managing Director) Virginia Stage’s 40th Anniversary Season marks David’s second full season as Managing Director. Prior to landing in Norfolk, David served as Managing Director at Clarence Brown Theatre in Knoxville, TN. He has also held leadership positions at Westport Country Playhouse, American Dance Festival, Triad Stage, Yale Repertory Theater, the Dwight/Edgewood Project, and the Guthrie Theater. David received an MFA degree in Theater Management from Yale School of Drama and a BA degree in Drama from UNC-Greensboro in his native North Carolina. During his tenure at the Clarence Brown Theatre, David was appointed to the Chancellor’s Commission for LGBT People and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Diversity Committee. Additionally, David served on the McClung Museum Academic Programs Advisory Board and the Great Schools Partnership Advisory Council. David has been a grants panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and United Way of Greater Knoxville. He has served on the union negotiating team and annual meeting planning committees for the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). David was a 2016 Knoxville Business Journal 40 Under Forty Honoree and has recently guest lectured at Virginia Wesleyan University and Christopher Newport University.

CAST

Mesgana Jackson

(Matilda) is a 5th grader at Saint Patrick Catholic School. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Virginia Stage Company as Matilda.  She loves singing, spending time with her friends, and playing with her dog.  She enjoys her tap class and her piano lessons.  Mesgana’s stage experience includes:  Wizard of Oz as Dorothy, It’s A Wonderful Life as Janey,  Bye Bye Birdie as Suzie,  Godspell as Chelsea,  Little Women as Amy, and Annie as Tessie with Saint Patrick’s theater productions.  During every production she is learning more and growing as a performer.  She would like to thank the cast, crew and her family for their support.

ABBY CHURCH

(Miss Honey) is thrilled to be in this fantastic show! Broadway: How to Succeed… (Rosemary u/s), White Christmas. Tours/NY: Billy Elliot (1st Nat’l), 42nd Street (Asia), Me and My Girl and On Your Toes (City Center Encores), New Girl in Town (Irish Repertory Theatre). Regional favorites: Zelayna in the US premiere of Legendale (Human Race Theatre), Cinderella in Into the Woods (North Carolina Theatre), Polly in Crazy for You (Riverside Theatre), Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone (Cider Mill Playhouse), and shows at Goodspeed, Kennedy Center, Muny, Engeman, NSMT, Hangar, and Atlanta TOTS. Commercials and print for everything from Dunkin' Donuts to Amex. BFA in Acting, Ithaca College. Cheers to Bloc! Love to her parents (both teachers!), the Phillips-Hunt-Lang-Smith clans, and most of all Shaun. For her 6 revolting nieces and nephews.

CHRIS BLEM

(Agatha Trunchbull/Escapologist) is super stoked to be joining VSC and the cast of Matilda to scare all the children in Virginia. Chris has traveled the world singing with some of the most prestigious symphonic orchestras. He has shared the stage with The Tokyo Philharmonic, Evergreen Orchestra (Taipei), Metropolitan Orchestra (Singapore), Never-land Orchestra (Tokyo), Buffalo Philharmonic, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Ocean City Pops and Encore Orchestra (Walt Disney World.) Chris can be heard on three Disney on Classic recordings and seen across Disney Chanel Japan in the live broadcast of Disney on Classic featuring the Neverland Orchestra. Theatrical credits include A Dog Story (Off-Broadway) Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma, HAIR, Annie, and Into the Woods (League of Cincinnati Award.) Chris is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. www.chrisblem.com @chrisblem

RYAN CLEMENS

(Harry Wormwood) is proud to work with VSC on the main stage and in the various touring shows, classes, and education workshops. Patrons may remember Ryan from previous VSC productions: Vinnie in The Odd Couple, Bob Cratchit or Old Joe in A Christmas Carol, Mortimer in The Fantasticks, or as his famous relative Sam Clemens in his one-man show Meet Mark Twain. Originally from Wyoming, Ryan began his career in a travelling Wild West show. He has worked at theaters around the country, including several seasons locally with the Virginia Shakespeare Festival and Tidewater Stage Company. He holds a BA in Theatre from Western Washington University and an MFA in Acting from Regent University. He also teaches at ODU. (Many thanks and a huge heap of love to his wonderful wife.)  clemensistwain.com

ROBYNE PARRISH

(Zinia Wormwood) is beside herself to make her Virginia Stage debut! Off Broadway: The York, The Mint. NYC: Musicals Tonight!, New York Music Festival (NYMF), NYIFF, Cap 21, and Sonnet Rep. Regional: The Arden, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, City Theatre (Pittsburgh), Sierra Repertory Theatre, New Jersey Rep, The New West Virginia Public, Public Theatre Maine, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, Theatre Raleigh, Cape Fear Regional, The REP (Pittsburgh), among others, and national tours with Arts Power. Film/TV: “Help Me Help You” (opposite Steve Guttenberg and Richard Kind), and Onion News Network. Training: BFA in Drama at UNCSA, Royal National Theatre, Actors Center NYC, PPU/grad candidate MFA Theatre and Double Edge Theatre. www.RobyneParrish.com. UP NEXT: I Love You, You're Perfect...at Sierra Rep.

MATTHEW TIBERI

(Rudolpho) is estatic to be making his Virginia Stage debut! Broadway: Finding Neverland. National Tour: Joseph…Dreamcoat (dir./choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler). Regional: Singing In The Rain (Don Lockwood, STONC), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Adam/Felicia, Fiddlehead), Footloose (Chuck Cranston, Fireside), 9 to 5 (Bob Enright, MGR), CATS (Mungojerrie, WPPAC). TV/Film: Isn't It Romantic, Modern Love (Amazon series). Immense love to these brilliant creatives, cast, crew and team. @matthew_tiberi

Laura Agudelo

(Mrs. Phelps) is extremely proud to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut. In the past 12 years Laura has worked with Core Theatre Ensemble, an international touring independent theatre company based out of Hampton Roads. With CTE, she has performed in Frankenstein, Antigone, Macbeth, and just recently reprised her role in Niobe which CTE took to Canada in April. During her time as a NYC actor, Laura performed at La Mama ETC, McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ, Sanford Meisner Theatre, and Repretorio Español. Laura is currently the Theatre Arts teacher at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake where she was named Chesapeake High School Teacher of the Year in 2018. She is grateful for the love and support of her mother, Elisa, and dedicates this performance to her two kids, Ella and Augie.

Conor Crowley

(Michael Wormwood) goes to Kempsville High School and his most recent works are A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder (Monty), Ragtime (Younger Brother), and She Loves Me (Mr. Keller/ Georg U.S). Conor is honored to be in The Governor’s School for the Arts and thanks Chip, Jeff, Heather, and Allan for the opportunities they’ve given him.

Zion Nileece Hope Bailey

(Alice) is simply beside herself at the mere thought of being in a show with Virginia Stage Company! This is her fourth play since her first lead role as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz for the YMCA-Escape to the Arts Program last summer.  Zion’s first Hurrah debut occurred this past 2018 Christmas Season as she played “Beverly” in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  She later starred as Little Timoune in the musical Once on this Island with NSU Theater Company at the 2019 Norfolk Theater Festival. Zion, who has consecutively remained an Honor Roll Student at Taylor, also spends her free time as a Youth Worshipper in the adult Ensemble Choir at her church, New Life Providence in Ghent. Zion would like to thank Mommy, Grandma, and Grandaddy for their loving support and prayers.

Elainey Bass

(Big Kid) is thrilled to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut! She is a junior at Western Branch and The Governor's School for the Arts. Theatre: A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder (Miss Shingle) with GSA; Mary Poppins (Fannie/Ensemble), Hairspray (Lil Inez) with VMT; Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Kayla), among many others. TV/Film: Alexa & Katie (Netflix) , Law & Order: SVU, Not Black Enough (Documentary). Her voice can also be heard in the 2014 version of Annie (Stand-In Singer for Q. Wallis). Elainey would like to thank her teachers (especially Chip, Jeff, and Allan), and her loving family for their constant support and guidance. Philippians 4:13

Avelyn Bollen

(Amanda) is thrilled to make her Virginia Stage Company debut! Her local theater credits include Disney's Frozen, Jr. (Ensemble), Annie (Annie u/s, Orphan), and Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Ariel). Avelyn is a 5th grade student at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach. She sang for four years with the Virginia Children's Chorus, and receives acting and dance training at Hurrah Players. Avelyn would like to thank her friends for always cheering her on, and her family for their unending love and support.

Dylan Jackson Cavasos

(Parent/Big Kid/Russian) is thrilled to be making his VSC debut! He is a fourth-year senior in the Musical Theatre Department at The Governor’s School for the Arts and attends Churchland High School. Regional credits include OLIVER!, Children Of Eden, Jekyll and Hyde, and Mary Poppins (VMT); She Loves Me (Kodaly), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Monty), Crazy for You (Sam), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (The Child Catcher) (GSA). He has trained with GSA, The Hurrah Players, Theatrix Productions, Inc., and The Summer Residential at The Governor’s School for Visual and Performing Arts at Radford University. Dylan thanks his parents for their love and support, his teachers at GSA- Chip, Jeff, Allan, and Heather for their instruction and the most incredible high school experience a kid could ask for, and Connor Norton.

Stephen Culpepper

(Nigel) is a fourth grader at Deep Creek Elementary and has been studying theater and dance with the Hurrah Players for four years. Additionally, he has been studying piano and voice for six years. Stephen has performed with the Hurrah Players as Michael Darling in Peter Pan (2018), Little Elvis in Blues, Soul, and Rock & Roll (2018), Lead Bird in Pinkalicious (2017), and as a soloist in various shows and appearances with the Hurrah Players since 2015. Stephen also enjoys local film and commercial work. Stephen is thankful to Mr. Tom Q. and everyone at Virginia Stage Company for the chance to make his professional theater debut. Stephen would like to thank Hugh, Ms. Co, Ms. Rena, and Ms. Lisa for preparing him for this awesome opportunity.

Armon Davis

(Parent/Car Guy/Big Kid/Russian) makes his Virginia Stage Company debut in Matilda The Musical. Armon Davis is a junior at The Governor's School for the Arts. Previous productions include GSA's A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and Here's A Tip, Nansemond River Performing Arts Company's Grease (Roger), The Lion King (Simba), and 21 Chump St (Justin). Much appreciation to his friends, family, and mentors for all the love and support they have shown him.

Jaela DeShazo

(Big Kid) is a senior at Cox High School and The Governor’s School for the Arts. She has appeared as Gretchen in Freaky Friday (VMT), Sour Kangaroo in Seussical (VMT), GSA’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and GSA’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Check out her original single on Spotify and Apple Music. She will be attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s BFA Musical Theatre program in the fall. She would like to thank all of her wonderful instructors at GSA , and family for the support!

Amahri Edwards-Jones

(Midwife/Big Kid) is ecstatic to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut in Matilda the Musical! She’s a second year student at The Governor’s School for the Arts in their Musical Theatre department. Her professional theatrical credits include: Virginia Musical Theatre’s Mamma Mia (ensemble) and Freaky Friday (Savannah Sweetzer). Amahri would like to thank God for her numerous talents and opportunities! She would also like to thank her parents for their love and continuous support!

Rachel Lyn Fobbs

(Parent/Acrobat) is thrilled to be back with her VSC family! Local credits include last year's Pride & Prejudice, The Little Mermaid (VMT), Importance of Being Earnest (LTN) 25th Annual...Spelling Bee (LTVB), and her one-woman show (Zeiders). National and local commercials include Coca-Cola, Nextdoor App, and Virginia Lottery. BA in Theatre, Minor in Music. Huge thank you to God, her family, and Tom for their motivation and support. Watch for exciting announcements on Instagram @fobbsy.

KYLE GARVIN *

(Big Kid/Associate Choreographer) is thrilled to be making his debut at VSC in this awesome production of Matilda. Kyle has toured nationally/internationally with, Go Diego Go Live!, and Thomas the Tank Engine Live! and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Regional credits include: Twist: An American Musical (Alliance Theater/Pasadena Playhouse), Oliver! (Paper Mill Playhouse) The Wild Party (B-Side Productions). Kyle is a proud graduate of the University of the Arts, and a member of the NAAP. Special thank you to his family and Billy Bustamante for their constant support.

Elizabeth Hughes

(Parent/Big Kid) is a 3rd year Junior at GSA and Granby High School. Lizz was most recently seen in GSA’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Sibella), VMT’s Seussical (Bird Girl) and Mary Poppins (Ensemble), and as a soloist singing “Let it Go” with the VSO.  Past GSA roles: Hooray for Hollywood Japan Tour (Soloist) and Crazy for You (Ensemble).  Other favorite roles:  Kiss Me, Kate (Make-up Lady), Gypsy (Baby Louise), and Annie (Kate) with VMT, Drowsy Chaperone (Chaperone), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), and Annie (Annie) with Theatrix, The Diary of Anne Frank (Anne) with PCT, and Ruthless! (Tina) with LTN.  Lizz is thrilled to be performing in Matilda, one of her favorite shows! Thanks to her parents for their love and support, and Tom, Allan, Billy, Chip, Jeff, and the faculty, staff and her friends at GSA!

Ally Ivey

(Parent/Big Kid) is thrilled to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut in Matilda. Some of her favorite credits include: Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooge No More (Busch Gardens Williamsburg), Serena in Legally Blonde (Temple Theatre), Kate Monster In Avenue Q (Cape Fear Regional Theatre), JoJo In Seussical (Cape Fear Regional Theatre), Denis in Smoke On The Mountain (Jenny Wiley Theatre). Follow Ally and all of her Adventures @ally.bop

Lucie Johnson

(Bruce Bogtrotter) makes her Virginia Stage Company debut. Past theatre credits include TNCC's Gypsy (Baby June) and Centerstage Academy's Jungle Book (King Louie). Lucie has worked on numerous projects including TV pilots, a National TV show, short films, a feature film, commercials, new media and print. She has performed as a vocalist on the East & West Coast. She's performed in a cabaret in NYC and onstage as a soloist in Hollywood, CA at the Love Street Festival. Lucie is a published songwriter registered with ASCAP and enjoys playing piano, ukulele, and drums. Lucie can often be seen singing the National Anthem locally at racetracks, baseball stadiums & other events. She spends a great deal of time training in LA. Lucie is represented in NYC,CA, and VA. When not onstage or on set, she's working on Tae Kwon Do, playing with her pets or is at Disney World.

Lila Korkalo

(Tommy) is excited to make her Virginia Stage Company debut. Lila is a 6th grader at Old Donation School and has been performing on stage since 2012. Previous credits include: Seussical the Musical, A Christmas Carol (Virginia Musical Theater); Street Scene, Turandot, La Boheme (Virginia Opera); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (The Governor’s School for the Arts); and numerous productions with the Hurrah Players. Film/TV credits include Legends and Lies, A Haunting, Hangin’ with the Family, and Escaping Fed. Voiceover credits include Hasbro, Pittsburgh Pirates, Under Armour, and CHKD. Lila would like to thank her family and all those who have guided her along the way.

Brady Lokey

(Eric) is extremely excited to make his Virginia Stage Company debut. Theater credits include Hurrah for the Holidays (Hurrah Players), Peter Pan (Hurrah Players), Pinkalicious (Hurrah Players), and Broadway through the Years (Hurrah Players). He has also acted in several Regent University student films. He attends acting and theater classes with the Hurrah Players in Norfolk and receives voice lessons at the Kerri Hardwick Voice Studio in Chesapeake. Brady would like to thank Virginia Stage Company for this wonderful opportunity; his parents, family, friends, and teachers for their love and encouragement; and Mr. Hugh Copeland, Mrs. Kerri Hardwick, Ms. Lisa Wallace, Mrs. Candace Heidelberg-Denison, Mrs. Co Harrison, and Mrs. Laura Lavan for teaching and guiding him. Finally, thank you to the Thornhill family for their friendship, love, and support.

Mitchell Maguire

(Big Kid/Sergei) is elated to be part of this awesome production! Favorite past credits: Aladdin (Genie), Mulan (Mushu), James and the Giant Peach (Earthworm) and The Lion King Experience (Timon).  Class of 2023 BFA in Musical Theatre at Coastal Carolina University. Sincerest thanks to Tom Quaintance and Billy Bustamante for giving him this incredible opportunity.

Katelyn Malloy

(Doctor/Big Kid/Russian) is so excited to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut! Katelyn studied Musical Theatre and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her recent credits include: Sister Mary Stephen/Ensemble in Virginia Musical Theater’s Production of Sister Act, Katie Nanna/Ensemble in Virginia Musical Theater’s Mary Poppins, Natalie in Time To Fly’s Production of Next To Normal, and soloist in Broadway Rising Stars at The Town Hall. She would like to thank the VSC creative team for this amazing opportunity and her family and friends for their constant love and support. Instagram: katelyn_malloy

Devin McCall

(Parent/Big Kid/Miss Honey u/s) is so excited to make her Virginia Stage Company debut! Previous credits include Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Penelope in Bye Bye Birdie (Priscilla Beach Theatre), Ensemble in Romeo and Juliet (Greater Boston Stage Co.), Lila in Massacre (Sheen Center), and Cinderella in Into the Woods (Pace University). Proud grad of Pace University, BFA in Acting. Love to mom, dad, Kaleigh and Liam. www.devinmccall.com.

Hudson McNerney

(Big Kid) is a senior at The Governor’s School for the Arts and Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach. Hudson was recently seen in the GSA production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder playing the role of The D’Ysquith Family. He has been in VMT’s production of Jekyll and Hyde, Mary Poppins, the 2016 A Christmas Carol (Newsboy), and the 2015 A Christmas Carol. He was also in the production of She Loves Me (Mr.Marczek), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Edison the dog/Ensemble), and the phenomenal production of Crazy For You (Mingo/Ensemble). Hudson would like to thank his family, Chip, Jeff, Tom, Billy, THE Heather Mayes, ALLAN, all the GSA and VSC Faculty, and Ava. 

Emily Myers

(Parent/Big Kid/Russian) is a junior in The Governor’s School for the Arts Musical Theatre department and Tallwood High School’s Global Studies and World Languages Academy. Previous GSA production credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Hooray for Hollywood, and Crazy for You. She’s been involved backstage as Assistant Stage Manager with numerous VMT and GSA productions, including La Cage Aux Folles, Sister Act, and She Loves Me. She often performs at events around the community representing the Sister Cities of Virginia Beach. She’d like to thank VSC for allowing her to be a part of this “miracle” of a show! 

Lily Rouse

(Winifred/Matilda U.S.) is excited to return to the Wells Theatre with Virginia Stage Company. She previously performed with VSC in A Christmas Carol 2018 (The Ghost of Christmas Past) and 2017 (Fan/Ensemble), and Dream Clinic (Dream Girl). She was recently seen in Mary Poppins (Jane) with Virginia Musical Theatre. Lily would like to thank her Virginia Stage Company and GSA family. Lily is especially grateful to her Granddad who has been a huge supporter of all her adventures. Follow her on instagram: @lilyrouse1

Alex Simpson

(Parent/Big Kid) is a current senior in Musical Theatre at The Governor’s School for the Arts and will be a BFA Acting major at the University of Arizona when he grows up this fall. Virginia Musical Theatre: Sister Act (Male Ensemble), Mary Poppins (Ensemble), Seussical (Thing 2), A Christmas Carol (Peter Cratchit/Lewis Carroll). GSA: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (The D’Ysquith Family), She Loves Me (Head Waiter), Crazy for You (Wyatt), Catch Me If You Can. The Z: Grotesquerie Lake (Narrator). STPCS: Godspell (Jude/John the Baptist). Alex is also the composer and lyricist of the new musical Pencil the Date (2018). His sincerest thanks to VSC, GSA faculty, and his family and friends. It is a dream come true to be a part of this show. Follow him on instagram:  @artofthemusical

Aubrey Swain

(Lavender) is excited to be in her first production with Virginia Stage Company. Aubrey is a 5th grader at Linkhorn Park Elementary School in Virginia Beach. Aubrey has performed with the Hurrah Players in Frozen, Hurrah for the Holidays, Annie, Peter Pan, Sing Out America, and Fancy Nancy. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her. Also, special thanks to Mr. Hugh Copeland and her Hurrah family; her vocal coach, Mrs. Dianna Swenson; and her amazing former piano/singing teacher, Dr. Olga Cehelska for cultivating her love for musical theater. She would also like to thank everyone at Virginia Stage Company for giving her this amazing opportunity.

Emma Teixeira

(Party Entertainer/Big Kid) is absolutely thrilled to be performing with this amazing cast!! Emma is a third year junior at The Governor’s School for the Arts and Cox High School. She has most recently been seen in Virginia Musical Theatre’s La Cage Aux Folles (Colette), Mary Poppins, Freaky Friday, Beauty and The Beast, and Little Mermaid; and GSA's A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Miss Barley/Lady Eugenia), Here’s A Tip (Devlyn the Diva), She Loves Me, Hooray for Hollywood (Japan Tour), as well as GSA's Crazy For You. Emma is currently co-hosting episodes of The Superbook Show for The Christian Broadcasting Network’s Youtube Channel. Emma would like to thank her family, Chip, Jeff, Heather, Allan, and most of all her Heavenly Father, all of whom, have encouraged and challenged her! To the King.

Alitheia West

(Hortensia) is a 12-year-old homeschooler who loves to dance and dreams of owning a pet porg. She is ecstatic to be making her debut with Virginia Stage Company. Previous credits include Young Fiona in Shrek Jr. and Grace Farrell in Annie Jr. She's also in the cast of The Superbook Show by Christian Broadcasting Network on YouTube.

When I Grow Up Ensemble:

Ava Baker

is a senior at The Governor’s School for the Arts. Past performances include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Sibella), Crazy for You (Patsy), Hairspray (Shelly), and Pencil the Date (Cindy). A huge thank you to her friends and family for the love and support. <3

Jacqueline Joy Magpoc Burroughs

is a 4th year senior in the Musical Theatre department at The Governor’s School for the Arts. She has most recently been seen as Phoebe in The Governor’s School for the Arts’ production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Some of her other credits include Kiss Me, Kate with Virginia Musical Theatre, as well as several other The Governor’s School for the Arts productions. After graduation, Jacqueline is going to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre at Shenandoah Conservatory in the fall. She would like to thank her grandparents, Chip, Jeff, Allan, and her parents for their unending love and support.

Alyssa Crowley

is a freshman at the Math and Science academy at Ocean Lakes and is in her first year in The Governor’s School for Musical Theatre.  She recently appeared as Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone, and has made an appearance in the ensemble for several shows.  She would like to thank Chip, Jeff, Heather, and Allan for their training and support.

Emily Dempsey

is a junior at The Governor’s School for the Arts and Smithfield High School. She was most recently seen in GSA's A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (Phoebe), She Loves Me, Crazy For You, and as a soloist in GSA's tour of Japan! She has also enjoyed performing in local community theaters and events with her sisters throughout Hampton Roads, Boston, and Nashville. Em is incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to be performing with such a talented cast! 

Goldey Dempsey

is excited and grateful to be performing in her first Virginia Stage Company show! She is a sophomore at Smithfield High School and is in the musical theatre department at The Governor’s School for the Arts. Some of her past performances include Woman Up, Here’s a Tip,Thoroughly Modern Millie, Bonnie and Clyde, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Sound Of Music. She is so excited to be working in Matilda with her friends from GSA at the beautiful Wells Theatre.

Carolina MayorGA

is a senior at The Governor’s School for the Arts and Smithfield High School. Carolina was most recently seen in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at The Governor’s School for the Arts and both Jekyll & Hyde and Freaky Friday with Virginia Musical Theatre. Carolina sends special thanks to her family, all of her past and present teachers, especially Chip Gallagher and Jeff Warner. 

Hannah Remian 

is a first year sophomore at The Governor’s School for the Arts and is thrilled to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut. The most recent productions she has been in include Here’s a Tip with GSA, Grease with The Hurrah Players (Patty Simcox), and Peter Pan with The Hurrah Players (Tiger Lily). Hannah is eternally grateful to have the opportunity to perform with Virginia Stage Company and The Governor's School for the Arts. She would like to thank Chip Gallagher, Allan Decipulo, Jeff Warner, and Heather Mayes for providing excellent guidance towards her musical theatre career. She would also like to thank her friends and family for the immense love and support.

Eleni Segerblom

is a sophomore at The Governor’s School for the Arts and Cox High School. Credits: Sister Act (Sister Mary Irene/ensemble), Mary Poppins and Freaky Friday with VMT; A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder with GSA; The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet) and Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit) with Theatrix; and original work Pencil the Date (ensemble/choreographer).Thanks and love to Chip, Jeff, Allan, Lauren, Janelle, family and friends.

Lindsey Turner

is a sixteen years old student at Western Branch High School and a Musical Theatre student at The Governor’s School for The Arts.  She began singing in church at age four.  She has also performed with the Virginia Arts Festival's Kristen Chenoweth Project (Backup Vocalist), The Governor’s School For the Arts' Woman Up (Mae), Virginia Musical Theatre’s Freaky Friday (Laurel), Hurrah Players' Once on this Island (Little Ti Moon), School of Rock (Tomika), The Wizard of Oz (Coroner), and Magic and Music of Motown (Featured Vocalist), Apollo Theatre, and Virginia’s Youth Got Talent.  She sends thanks and love to all her family, friends, mentors and teachers for their continued support and encouragement; and she knows that with faith and a positive attitude, the skies are the limits.

JASON MILLER

is a senior at Nansemond River High School and Governor's School for the Arts. His previous shows include A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder (Ensemble), Big Fish (Amos Calloway), Crazy For You (Everett Baker), and She Loves Me (Ensemble). He is very excited about Matilda and would like to thank his parents, Chip Gallagher, and Jeff for their help and support.

Keys 1 ALLAN DECIPULO ‡

Keys 2MARK SNEDEGAR ‡

Acoustic/Electric BassDERRICK ENGLERT ‡

GuitarELDON SULLY ‡

Sax/Flute/ClarinetJOE CAMARDA ‡

Contractor (Trumpet)ROY MUTH ‡

Tenor/Bass TromboneDEAN ENGLERT ‡

CelloJEFF PHELPS ‡

PercussionREID STICKDILL ‡

ADDITIONAL SHOW STAFF

Assistant Stage Manager  BlaIR HEINZ

Assistant Scenic Designer KELLY WYGANT

Associate Choreographer Kyle Garvin*

Assistant Stage Manager Sarah Vitek

Production Assistant Eli Gorman

Child Wranglers Fiona Sullivan, John Post

Wardrobe Supervisor Meg Murray

Wardrobe Crew Jeffrey Haddock, Bella Squatrito, Savannah Howell, Carmen Del Vecchio

Light Board Operator Caroline Phillips

Audio 1/Mixer J.C. Nigh

Audio 2 A.J. Reo

Spotlight Operators Sophia Gunter, Ally Dunaway

Video Operator Hannah Kurowski

Technical Director Laura Pates

Assistant Tech Director Anthony Rosas

Scenic Charge David Rawlins

Scenic Artist Jessica Secrest

Scenic Carpenters Tiara Dimond, Donald Quilinquin

Deck Carpenter/Flyman Nick Chamberlain

ASL Interpreters  Sabrina Smith, Debbie North, Sherry Parsons, Liz Uhrinec

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

† Member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent labor union.

‡ Member of the American Federation of Musicians

SPECIAL THANKS to

The Scene Shop at PlayMakers Rep, Chip Gallagher, Dr. Andrea Warren, and Deborah Thorpe, Virginia Opera Association, Richmond Ballet, William & Mary - Matthew Allar, Electronic Theatre Controls, Hund’s Re-Cycle Factory